Observations placeholder
Thomas Faulkner - Patagonian shamans
Identifier
001687
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Note that the use of female apparel is not because of any homosexual tendencies [not that that would matter a jot] but because of the symbolism of androgyny.
A description of the experience
A description of Patagonia and the adjoining parts of South America – Thomas Faulkner 1774
The largest Indian tribes in Patagonia, the Moluches and the Puelches have male and female sorcerors. Boys who suffer from epileptic fits or from St Vitus’s dance are selected for this office and are brought up in it. They have to adopt female apparel, which they continue to wear when grown up. These men, dressed like women, are supposed to have been destined for their profession…. They likewise assume the power of curing disease by means of incantations accompanied with the noise of rattles and drums
The source of the experience
South American shamanismConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
AndrogynyScience Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
EpilepsySaint vitus dance - sydenhams chorea
Suppressions
Listening to beating soundsSinging spells